By The Metro 
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has announced plans to build Nigeria’s biggest industrial zone in Olokola, Ondo State, with construction expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026.
In a statement signed by Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Dangote made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in Akure.
The proposed industrial and free trade zone is expected to serve as a major investment hub equipped with power, water and logistics infrastructure aimed at attracting manufacturers and reducing operational challenges faced by investors.
“We want to create the biggest free trade zone where investors can just come and plug in. We will generate power, provide infrastructure and remove the bottlenecks around doing business,” Dangote said.
He explained that the project is designed to tackle infrastructure challenges, particularly inadequate power supply, which he described as one of the biggest obstacles to industrial growth in Nigeria.
According to him, the country’s long-standing power deficit has forced many manufacturers to rely on self-generated electricity, slowing industrial expansion and increasing production costs.
Dangote also disclosed plans to integrate gas infrastructure into the project through an east-west gas corridor to support energy-intensive industries operating within the zone.
He noted that previous efforts to establish investments in Olokola were hindered by operational challenges, leading the group to concentrate major projects in Lagos.
However, he said improved conditions and renewed collaboration with the Ondo State Government had revived plans for the project.
Dangote revealed that contractors are expected to mobilise to the site within the next three to four months, while full construction is scheduled to commence in the last quarter of 2026.
He also requested government participation in the project through the nomination of a state representative to the board of the industrial zone to strengthen coordination and implementation.
The businessman expressed confidence that the project would create jobs, boost industrial activities and stimulate economic growth across Ondo State and neighbouring regions.
Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the proposed investment as a major boost to the state’s industrialisation agenda.
“Ondo is now set for an industrial revolution,” the governor said.
He stated that the project aligns with his administration’s vision of positioning the state as a leading industrial destination in the South-West.
Aiyedatiwa highlighted the state’s strategic location along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor, as well as its deep seaport licence, as major advantages for industrial development.
The governor also disclosed that limestone deposits in the state had been tested and found suitable for industrial use, creating opportunities for expansion in cement production.
He said a technical committee had already been established to engage with the Dangote Group on legal, land, community and operational matters relating to the project.
Aiyedatiwa assured the company of the state government’s full support, pledging collaboration with investors and host communities to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the industrial zone.